If you’re looking for a quick, show-stopping dinner that brings restaurant flair right to your kitchen, Creamy Garlic Shrimp is about to become your new favorite dish. With juicy, tender shrimp nestled in a luscious, garlicky sauce, this recipe is every bit as decadent as it sounds—but without any fuss. The flavors meld beautifully and the velvety cream sauce, studded with just the right amount of cheese and fresh herbs, clings to every bite, making it truly irresistible. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together, yet it never fails to impress anyone lucky enough to grab a forkful.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Creamy Garlic Shrimp proves that simple really can be spectacular. Each component plays a starring role, delivering bold flavors, rich textures, and that signature creamy finish that makes this dish so memorable.

Vegetable Oil: Helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the shrimp without overpowering the delicate seafood flavor.
Jumbo Shrimp (2 lb, peeled and deveined): The main attraction—choose the plumpest, freshest shrimp you can find for ultimate juiciness.
Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and the depth of the sauce.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Butter: Infuses the sauce with creamy, rich undertones and aids in sautéing the garlic.
Minced Garlic: The key to that bold, instantly-inviting aroma and zesty flavor.
White Wine: Deglazes the pan and builds a deep, nuanced base for the sauce—don’t skip it!
Heavy Cream: The secret to that thick, dreamy consistency that sets Creamy Garlic Shrimp apart.
Italian Seasoning: Gives a gentle herbal note that ties everything together beautifully.
White Cheddar Cheese (or Parmesan): Melts smoothly for a subtle nutty finish—choose your favorite for that perfect cheesy tang.
Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and freshness just before serving, making every bite sing.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Start with a large skillet over medium-high heat, and let it get nice and hot before adding the vegetable oil. Patting your shrimp dry before they hit the pan will help them caramelize beautifully. In just a few minutes on each side, they transform from translucent to a mouthwatering pink. Don’t forget to sprinkle them with salt and pepper while they cook—it ensures every bite is seasoned from the inside out. Once they’re curled and opaque, scoop them onto a plate so you can focus on that amazing sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Deglaze

Using the same skillet (hello, easy cleanup!), melt the butter and add your minced garlic. You only need about a minute for the garlic to turn fragrant—just until it’s aromatic but not browned. Next, pour in the white wine, stirring briskly to grab every tasty browned bit from the bottom of the pan. This step truly sets the foundation for your Creamy Garlic Shrimp sauce, giving it depth and complexity.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and cheese. As you stir and bring the mixture to a low simmer, you’ll notice it thickening and turning sumptuously creamy. Let it bubble gently until it reaches your preferred consistency—that’s when you know it’s ready to coat every shrimp in deliciousness.

Step 4: Return the Shrimp

With the sauce ready, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure each piece is generously covered in that creamy, garlicky goodness. Let the shrimp warm through for a minute or two so the flavors combine perfectly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle over freshly chopped parsley for a burst of brightness. Now all that’s left is to bring your Creamy Garlic Shrimp to the table and watch everyone dive in—trust me, it never lasts long!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Garnishes

A delicate shower of fresh parsley adds lively color and herbal freshness at the very end, balancing the richness of the sauce. For a touch of zest, you could also add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a quick grind of black pepper just before serving. If you love a little extra flair, a few shavings of Parmesan over the top certainly won’t hurt!

Side Dishes

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp just begs for something to soak up the luxurious sauce. Toss it with freshly cooked pasta for the ultimate comfort meal, spoon it over fluffy white rice, or nestle it alongside creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter twist, try serving it with steamed vegetables or crisp greens—anything that lets the incredible sauce take center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Creamy Garlic Shrimp into a stunning appetizer by piling it onto crostini or spooning it into small cups for individual servings at a party. For a more elegant dinner, plate each portion atop a swirl of pasta and sprinkle with extra herbs. You can even serve it family-style in a large serving dish, letting everyone scoop their portion and savor the experience together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Creamy Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a gentle reheat will bring everything back to life. Be sure not to let the shrimp sit at room temperature for too long, since seafood is best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

Creamy sauces made with cheese can be tricky to freeze, as the texture may change once thawed. If you do decide to freeze leftovers, it’s best done in single portions using airtight freezer-safe containers. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge and reheat with care to keep the sauce as smooth as possible.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Creamy Garlic Shrimp slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent the sauce from splitting. You might want to add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can make the shrimp rubbery and the sauce uneven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Creamy Garlic Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they sear properly and don’t release too much liquid into the sauce.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute with chicken broth or a splash of water and a squeeze of lemon juice. The wine gives an extra layer of flavor, but these swaps will still make your sauce delicious.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but you’ll still get a creamy effect and that same satisfying flavor profile.

How do I know when shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Shrimp cook very quickly—once they’re pink and opaque, they’re done! Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep a close eye and remove them from the pan as soon as they’re just cooked through.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms all pair beautifully with Creamy Garlic Shrimp. Just add your veggies after sautéing the garlic so they have time to soften before you create the sauce.

Final Thoughts

It’s truly amazing how a handful of everyday ingredients can come together to create something as special as Creamy Garlic Shrimp. If you’re craving a dinner that feels indulgent but is secretly simple to pull off, don’t wait to give this a try. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, your table will be filled with smiles, and you just may find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe. Succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a luscious garlic cream sauce, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds.

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Heat oil in a large skillet, sear shrimp until cooked, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté butter and garlic, add wine, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and cheddar. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with your choice of sides.